Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXII, Iran

211. Memorandum for President Johnson’s Diary¹

Washington, June 7, 1967.

SUBJECT

• The President’s Meeting with Ambassador Armin Meyer, 6 June 1967²

The U.S. Ambassador to Iran, Armin Meyer, visited with the President about twenty minutes on 6 June. Two general topics were discussed:

1. When the President asked how the Shah of Iran was getting along, Ambassador Meyer described the success of the Shah’s land reform program and of his economic policies in general. The President was pleased and suggested Mr. Rostow look into ways of translating Iran’s experience to Vietnam.

2. Ambassador Meyer described his views on the current crisis between Israel and the neighboring Arab states. He felt that President Nasser, in accusing the US and Britain of involvement in Israeli air attacks, was trying to trigger a cutoff of oil supplies by the oil producing Arab countries, thereby shifting the confrontation on to other shoulders.

The meeting closed with the President expressing his hope that the Shah would be able to reschedule his visit to Washington and asked Ambassador Meyer to convey his warmest wishes to the Shah, the Empress, and their children.

Harold H. Saunders

1. Source: Johnson Library, President’s Appointment File (Diary Backup), June 7, 1967. Confidential.
2. Rostow’s June 6 briefing memorandum for the President noted that Meyer was in Washington laying the groundwork for the Shah’s visit. (Ibid.)